Winter birthdays are (almost) always an indoor celebration— but even if you have the space to host, who wants to deal with the post-party clean up? Not us! Thankfully there are plenty of fun, action-packed places to hold a shindig in the DMV. From Yeti hunting to painted pottery to cooking classes, read on for the best places to throw a winter birthday party.
A Silver Screen Party
Many of the region’s movie theaters offer enticing birthday packages that elevate movie viewing to an all afternoon event. For a budget friendly option, rent a private theater at the University Mall Theatres for only $100 for 10 guests (each additional guest is $8.00). The price includes popcorn and drinks and offers a memorable birthday experience that doesn't break the bank!
10659 Braddock Rd.
Fairfax, VA
703-273-7111
Online: universitymalltheatres.com
A Daredevil Afternoon
If you have an extreme sport enthusiast in the house, then plan a thrilling shindig with iFly in Loudoun county. Group Flight Packages start with a one and a half hour session which accommodates 12 guests. Included in the price is pre-flight training, flying gear (i.e. flight suits, helmets and goggles) and a video clip of each flight to share on social media. You can customize your package to include a private party room and pizza. Party goers will each receive a flight certificate. Kids must be 3 to participate.
20315 Commonwealth Center Dr.
Ashburn, VA
571-446-4359
Online: iflyworld.com
Arts on the Horizon
For children ages 1 to 6, try a theatrically themed party with Arts on the Horizon in Alexandria, catering especially to this age group. Book a Birthday Workshop and have a part in planning the interactive adventure that will have everyone moving as they become part of a story guided by a highly-qualified teaching artist. Workshops are $75 for a 30 minute session and can be enhanced by Party Plus that includes decorating, take home gifts and can include a craft. These packages start at $200 and themes include Dinosaurs, Frozen, Beach Party, Under the Sea and many more!
1819 N. Quaker Ln.
Alexandria, VA
571-549-1270
Online: artsonthehorizon.org
Everything (But the Kitchen Sink)
If you can’t decide on a party theme - climbing wall? laser tag? rope course? arcade? — choose “all of the above” at Adventure Park USA in Maryland. Geared more toward the younger crowd (think 10 and under), this amusement park boasts both indoor and outdoor activities. In the winter, the roller coasters and other outdoor attractions are not operating. But there is plenty to do inside the Wild West themed building; in addition to all of the “themes” mentioned above, you also find bumper cars! Birthday parties start at $299.50 for eight guests and includes the use of the party room for one hour, pizza for all guests and access to indoor games and the arcade. Lucky guests may also get to meet Dustin the Cowboy and Tumble the Prairie Dog, Adventure Park’s resident mascots.
11113 West Baldwin Rd.
Monrovia, MD
301-865-6800
Online: adventureparkusa.com
Ahoy, Me Hearties!
Let your pint-sized pirate celebrate their birthday with an all-out nautical themed adventure at the Port Discovery Children's Museum. The Tiny Tots package geared towards the littlest lads and lassies (ages birth to 5) includes music, dancing, an interactive story and exploration of the museum's age appropriate exhibits. Kids 6 & up will adventure through the museum on a nautical scavenger hunt that ends with a pirate treasure. These party packages last one and a half hours and include a private room, beverages for children, complementary parking for the host, discounted parking for guests, a balloon bouquet, tablecloths and paper supplies . Birthday packages are $450 for both age groups with the option of adding up to 10 more guests for $25 each.
35 Market Pl.
Baltimore, MD
Phone: 410-727-8120
Online:portdiscovery.org
Find the Missing Yeti
Looking for a unique and magical winter experience that doesn't require coats, hats and gloves? The Wonder Arlington has been transformed to Winterland where kids up to 5 can jump in "snow" (the ball pit), build an igloo in an igloo, enjoy hot chocolate and get lost in sensory-rich interactive play. For $800 you can reserve The Wonder for 3 hours of private play for 20 guests (each additional guest is $10, max of 60 allowed). The space will include children and adult tables and a Wonder Guide to greet guests and keep play safe.
4238 Wilson Blvd
First Floor
Arlington, VA
571-970-0338
Online: thewonder.us/winterland-in-dc
Where the Wild Things Are
Petting Zoos used to be a party experience reserved for warmer weather. Until now! The Leesburg Animal Park recently added an indoor petting zoo to their grounds. Children can mix and mingle with exotic animals like camels and emus in the comfort (and warmth) of a fully heated indoor barn. Kids will also enjoy the indoor play space that includes seven distinct learning zones. The Animal Park’s Safari package is available year-round and includes the use of a private party room for two hours, a pony ride for each child, a souvenir cup filled with animal feed and more. Guests can stay and explore Animal Park after the party ends. Party packages start at $359 for 10 kids (and 10 adults). Zoo-themed goody bags can be added for $3 per guest.
19270 James Monroe Highway
Leesburg VA
703-433-0002
Online: leesburganimalpark.com
Let the Good Times Roll
From the sounds of the pins falling to the cheers of friends, a visit to the bowling alley is nostalgic and exhilarating for kids of all ages. Gather up your gang and celebrate a birthday in style at Pinstripes in Georgetown (who has taken the classic bowling alley to a whole new level with gourmet dining and live music). If you prefer to deviate from the ordinary, book a bocce ball party (warning the rules are a little harder to follow than just knocking down 10 pins). Your all inclusive party at Pinstripes includes two hours of bowling or bocce, shoe rental, food, drinks and dessert all for $30 per child (minimum of 10 guests). Add on adult appetizers ranging from $20 to $31 per person.
1064 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC
202-625-6500
Online: pinstripes.com
Make and Take
Get the creative juices flowing with a pottery painting party (say that three times fast) for your art loving little. Clay Cafe Studios in Falls Church has a variety of options for budding artists to make lasting birthday memories. The Basic package includes a one and a half hour studio session for $7 for each party goer plus the cost of the painted pottery (10 person, 10 painted pottery minimum). Check out the Catered Clay option that brings the party to you and they clean up the mess! Clay Cafe offers a variety of paintable items such as animals, plates and bowls.
101 N. Maple Ave.
Falls Church, VA
703-879-3386
Online: claywire.com
Cooking Up Some Fun
Calling all aspiring chefs, ages 3 and up, for a hands on birthday experience where you can make your cake and eat it too! Cookology, known for their "recreational cooking classes", offers a variety of age based birthday parties that will be a hit with kids and adults (for kids ages 3-5, the parties are Mommy/Daddy & Me with an adult required with each child to help them in the cooking class). The Basic packages start at $69 per child (minimum of 10) and include a 2 course cooking lesson (the menu choices are sure to fit any palate), paper hats and aprons for all kids. Enhance your day with appetizers for adults, goody bags, balloons, cupcakes or even a handmade pasta maker with their A La Carte Party Add-Ons!
Dulles Town Center Location
21100 Dulles Town Circle
Sterling, VA
703-433-1909
Online: cookologyonline.com
Ballston Quarter Location
4238 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA
703-433-1909
Online: cookologyonline.com
—Elissa Olechnovich, Megan Yudes Meyers and Carolyn Ross
featured photo: iStock
RELATED STORIES:
8 Easy Favors That Are Perfect for a Winter Party
Beyond the Bounce House: 13 of the DMV’s Most Unique Party Rentals
18+ At-Home Birthday Party Ideas for Kids
Easy Birthday Cake Decorating Ideas That Look Fancy
Need some fresh ideas?
Related reads
